Berlinde De Bruyckere / 1st Edition Actieprijs

Following two mid-career retrospectives illustrating the period 2000-2014, De Bruyckere is now showing her most recent work. She focuses on the period from 2014 up to the present. The book includes work that has never be seen before. These monumental works are inspired by the idea of an angel, as portrayed in myths, stories, literature and art history. Conceived in the loneliness and isolation of the corona crisis, the angel guards against a lonely existence and, even more importantly, against a lonely death. According to Berlinde, an angel – with its warm, dark wings – provides protection; a refuge from fear. It is a wonderful example of the fragile line De Bruyckere treads between artistic poeticism and engagement with current affairs.